Back to School Tips and Mom Hacks

Hey y'all! Yesterday, I sent my girls to their first day of school (at a brand new school, too) as a first grader and a third grader! I can't believe I have a third grader. Y'all, time passes by just way too quickly! It seems like she was my sassy two year old just a few days ago and now she's an even sassier eight year old, lol. And my baby, needs to stop growing up too. How is she in first grade?!

 I have been back to school shopping sporadically over the last few weeks and I wanted to share a few of the things that I picked up for my girls for this school year. First of all, I do 99% of my back to school shopping online. Wondering around the school supply section with two little girls and half of my town, isn't really my idea of fun! It's just stressful. So, I park myself on my couch with my phone and the school supply lists and hit up Target.com! Literally 20 minutes later, it's done. I let them girls give me feedback on which color folders they want or which pencil case is their favorite. If you don't already shop online for school supplies, do it next year for sure! I am all about simplifying life and making stressful tasks a lot less stressful... plus shopping online keeps my spending up control because I can see how much I'm spending as I add things to my online shopping cart. Win-win!

C L O T H E S  A N D  B O W S

Yep, we are still living in our matching outfits. Another way that I eliminate stress is by dressing them the same. I know this wouldn't necessarily work for every set of siblings or every family but it totally works for us. Laundry is simple. Getting dressed is quick. Also, it eliminates a lot of drama! Most of their clothes (actually almost all of them) are from the Cat and Jack line at Target. I love the comfortable fabric, the fun designs, and the price! Also, a fun fact: Cat and Jack has a one year warranty. If anything gets a hole in it, bring your receipt in with the item and they will give you your money back (if you have a Red Card, you don't have to save your receipt but I try to anyways). 

Also, let's talk about their hair bows. I got a pack of 20 bows for $13.99! These are the nice bows, too. The six inch ones with the alligator clips. The colors are gorgeous and the quality is amazing! I just couldn't believe the price! I was paying $3-$5 for one bow before!

W A T E R  B OT T L E

My girls only drink water while they are at school so I always try to find them a fun water bottle to take to school with them. I love the style of this one and I also love that the lid is attached!

S H O E S

How cute are their new shoes?! I was hunting for a pair of sneakers that would work with shorts, jeans, and dresses. I think these are perfect with any outfit! They were super excited about them and they said they are very comfortable!

P A C K I N G  L U N C H E S

Packing lunches isn't my favorite task but I bought a few new things this year to make it more fun. I got these fun lunch notes to stick in their lunch boxes this year. I really try to write them notes but in the busyness of prepping for the next day, I usually forget so I love that these are ready to go and I think they are going to enjoy reading them each day. I also love the idea of bento boxes but they can be so pricey so I found a budget friendly way to achieve the same organization. I use inexpensive (a two pack is $1.50) sandwich boxes from Walmart. You can find them in the kitchen supply aisle near the water bottles and lunch boxes. I have eight of these containers so that I can throw them in the dishwasher each day. I use four of the little silicone food cups in the box to organize their food. For example, we put cut up ham, crackers, grapes, cheese cubes, pretzels, strawberries, etc. in the cups. You can also use cupcake liners but I like that these silicone cups are reusable and they are less than $2 a pack so they are also super affordable. 

P E N C I L  C A S E

The girls both picked this adorable unicorn pencil case. Even when they have the chance to pick whatever they want, they often pick the same thing anyways!

B A C K P A C K S  A N D  L U N C H  B O X E S

Next up is a total mom hack! I always use Scotch Gard on my shoes but I started using it on my kids' backpacks and lunch boxes last year. It helps keep them so much cleaner! It's a must try! Also, this is the second backpack I ordered for Julianna. I accidentally ordered her a tiny one the first time but it will make a great dance bag. This book bag is the size large and it's a great size for her (and she's a petite eight year old). I always have great luck with this brand and we can usually get at least two years of use out of their backpacks!

T E A C H E R  G I F T S

And lastly, teacher gifts! I was a classroom teacher for four years so I fully understand how incredibly exhausting the first day of school is. So, for the past three years I have put together back to school gifts for our teachers. Just a few items that will hopefully give them the pick me up they need after a long day! This year's gift included: coffee (I'm sure this will be much needed), gum, sticky notes, chocolate, a face mask, hand sanitizer, and sharpies!

Thanks so much for visiting! Have a great day!

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